Remembered
As for me, I am poor and needy;
But the Lord takes thought for me. Psalm 40:17
Read Isaiah 49:14—21
There are various practices I have found helpful towards remembering the Lord. This evening’s quiet time set aside for prayer is one. Gathering as church is another. Keeping the communion. And special seasons for retreat (or advance). But how do I know the Lord remembers me? When I make my moods the test of his presence I am in his safe presence one day, in the very temple courts, but I am in exile the next. My own soul is made to measure all the moods from giddy elation to lamentable Godforsakenness. Where among my shifting moods will I find the presence of God? And his assurance? I can see that if I do not find him in the cross of Jesus I am not likely to find him anywhere. He will desert me. I’ll have him: I’ll lose him. But there on the cross he made all human experience his own, all the way to hell.
Loving, gracious God over all, you promise you will never forget me. I lose that promise if I look into myself instead of to you. For you met me in Christ. You mastered me in his Lordship. You seized me in my God-forsakenness when he cried out on the cross. You separated me from my sin and shame and you still hold me when I sink. You hold me in the pleasure of elation and the shame and shock of despair. Because I am written in the nail-print of Christ’s hand[1] I am always remembered in your presence.
[1] Luke 24:40; John 20:27